LaSalle officials considering use of former Lincoln Pines Youth Center

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The transition at the Lincoln County Detention Center from Emerald Correctional Management to LaSalle Corrections West went more smoothly than anticipated, Lincoln County Attorney Alan Morel told county commissioners at their recent meeting.

Commissioners worried about filling the management gap when officials with Emerald suddenly delivered the news that the company did not intend to finish the term of its management contract and was working to assign responsibility to LaSalle, which is based in Louisiana. Commissioners informed Emerald an assignment was not possible without their approval, Emerald continued for about one week more and LaSalle took over on an interim basis at a flat fee plus expenses. Warden Arthur Anderson, who worked for Emerald continues in his capacity under LaSalle.

“LaSalle assumed responsibility for the operation at 5 p.m., April 28,” Morel read from a summary prepared by County Manager Nita Taylor. All existing employees were hired, benefits and liability insurance provided, vendors were notified, uniforms ordered and the email addressed changed. During the interim period, LaSalle has charged a flat fee plus reimbursement for expenses.

LaSalle was the sole respondent May 9 to the county’s request for proposals to provide ongoing operation and management at the jail in Carrizozo. However, the exact fee for the full term of the contract will be determined after a 90-day period for the firm to gain experience at the facility.

Morel said the last check of $225,000 that was to be paid to Emerald was challenged in district court by the county and he received notice that Emerald was not claiming any of those funds.

The motion to approve the response from LaSalle by Commissioner Tom Stewart passed unanimously.

Robert "Jay" Eason. Director of Operations Robert “Jay” Eason, director of operations for LaSalle West, told commissioners that the company was excited to be in Lincoln County in the quick transition. He came the previous week and worked with Anderson, who already knew several principals in the LaSalle firm having worked in Texas corrections for years.

Eason said he also spent 30 years in Texas corrections before joining LaSalle in 2016, now handling prisons and jails in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. He is familiar with the rules governing federal marshal prisoners, he said.

“We run a very transparent operation,” he said. “You can stop by any time you may want to come in.”

Commissioner Lynn Willard asked Eason his opinion of the detention center’s condition. Eason said Anderson has years of experience managing and it appeared in good shape, although the outside will be painted.

that was closed in 2015 by the state Children, Youth and Families Department. Draper previously mentioned the possibility of using the center for women inmates.

Eason said he went through the center a few weeks ago and was very impressed.

“It has a great perimeter fence,” he said. “I think there are some plans (being considered) for transitioning female prisoners and back filling those beds (at the jail) with (federal) prisoners, but there is concern if we could find enough staff. But we sure will entertain that. I talked to a corporate supervisor and took pictures. It wouldn’t take a lot to transition.”